Today (October 20, 2022) marks the 45th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that took the lives of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines, along with backup singer Cassie Gaines (Steve's older sister). A number of other members of the famed group suffered serious injuries in the crash. Below is my review of the most recent time I caught the enduring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in concert...Robert Kinsler
Review by Robert Kinsler
Photos by Bob Steshetz
 |
| Rickey Medlocke, left, with Damon Johnson on May 13, 2022. |
Who: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Where: Los Angeles County Fair
When: Friday, May 13, 2022
Next: Visit www.lynyrdskynyrd.com
Music historians — as well as the rock and roll faithful — know better than to ever count Lynyrd Skynyrd out. Indeed a tragic plan crash on Oct. 20, 1977 that took the lives of three band members including singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines marked the beginning of a series of tragic turns that have seen the passing of guitarist Allen Collins, keyboardist Billy Powell, bassist Leon Wilkeson, drummer Bob Burns, backing vocalist JoJo Billingsley and guitarist Hughie Thomasson.
The latest challenge for the enduring Southern rock troupe included founding guitarist Gary Rossington undergoing emergency heart surgery in July 2021.
 |
| Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. |
Fast forward to Friday the 13th (May 13, 2022) and the band was headlining before a capacity crowd at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona, CA. Although not able to run about, Johnny Van Zant — who noted he underwent knee surgery a month ago — was on his feet during most of the set and sounded great.
Early in the set Van Zant said of Rossington: "He is still on the mend and getting better." The singer also noted that Rossington had told his band mates to go to California and "I'll be there in spirit."
 |
| Peter Keys of Lynyrd Skynyrd. |
Delivering more than 90 minutes of Skynyrd favorites, this kickoff of the "Big Wheels Keep On Turning' World Tour" (continuing through the end of September) found Southern rock's most enduring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers celebrating their survival and legacy with a set that inspired throughout. Touring guitarist Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy) did an excellent job filling in for the recovering Rossington, ably trading lead and slide guitar work with long-time members Rickey Medlocke and Mark Matejka.
 |
| From left, guitarists Mark Matejka, Rickey Medlocke, Damon Johnson and bassist Keith Christopher. Also seen are backing vocalists Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle. |
Early highlights of the concert included the rootsy blues rocker "Whiskey Rock-A-Roller" bolstered by backing gospel vocals, a rousing "That Smell" featuring all three of the guitar greats in action, and an affecting acoustic medley of "Mississippi Kid" and "Red White & Blue."
 |
| From left, Mark Matejka, Rickey Medlocke, Johnny Van Zant, Michael Cartellone and Damon Johnson during their mini-acoustic set at the Los Angeles County Fair. |
The momentum built as the band performed their biggest hits, ending the night with the audience on their feet for bona fide greats like the powerful "Simple Man" (featuring some of Van Zant's greatest vocals of the night), along with the rollicking "Gimme Three Steps," a cover of JJ Cale's "Call Me the Breeze," rocking "Sweet Home Alabama" and marathon 12-minute run through "Free Bird" from its piano-anchored sing-along early section through the mighty guitars-on-steroids finale.
 |
| Guitarist Mark Matejka on May 13, 2022. |
1. Workin' for MCA
2. You Got That Right
3. Double Trouble
4. Whiskey Rock-A-Roller
5. That Smell
6. Cry for the Bad Man
7. Saturday Night Special
8. What's Your Name
9. Tuesday's Gone
10. Mississippi Kid
 |
| Drummer Michael Cartellone behind the kit. |
11. Red White & Blue
12. Simple Man
13. Gimme Three Steps
14. Call Me the Breeze
15. Sweet Home Alabama
Encore:
16. Free Bird
No comments:
Post a Comment